DE HOOP (HOPE) - Cornwall & Devon

De Hoop isn't your average British wreck dive. This isn't a modern steel hulk, but a Dutch East Indiaman, broken apart in 1749 and scattered across Chesil Beach. What remains is a fascinating archaeological site. We love the way the timbers are intertwined with the rocky seabed, creating nooks and crannies that are just begging to be explored. You’ll find large sections of hull, ribs, and planking, sometimes piled high, sometimes just peeking out from the sand. The real joy here is getting up close to history. Keep an eye out for ancient pottery shards amongst the wreckage, a tangible link to the ship’s past. And of course, the marine life thrives on these old timbers. Expect to see plenty of wrasse darting between the beams, conger eels tucked into shadowy gaps, and the occasional lobster peeking from beneath a shattered plank. This is a dive that suits those who appreciate history and enjoy a good rummage, rather than a swim-through experience. Best dived on a calm day with minimal swell, as visibility can be variable.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.608902, -2.592969
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

Marine Protected Area: Littoral du Dorset et de l'est du Devon

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to DE HOOP (HOPE)

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for DE HOOP (HOPE)

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories